Changes reduce red tape for community events

Local community groups are cheering the State Government's changes to liquor and gaming laws which will make it easier to hold fundraising and community events.

Member for Pine Rivers, Seath Holswich said the new laws passed by the Government this week would let groups hold events without the need to obtain liquor permits.

More than 20 amendments have been made that will reduce liquor and gaming red tape under the Liquor and Gaming (Red Tape Reduction) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2013.

From 1 July this year, community groups such as P&Cs and Rotary Clubs will be able to serve drinks without needing a Community Liquor Permit.

Mr Holswich said the changes would save community groups time and money.

"These common sense amendments mean community groups in our region will soon have the freedom to enjoy a drink responsibly without the hassle of filling out huge forms and paying fees," Mr Holswich said.

"Many of the previous regulations and requirements were unnecessary and only created extra work for local groups planning fundraising and community events.

"In 2011-2012, the state government issued around 6,500 community liquor permits, which amounted to a mountain of paperwork for community groups. Now, that burden has been lifted."

The amendments will also:• Scrap expensive risk-assessed management plans and community impact statements for low risk venues that apply for liquor licences, as long as they meet certain criteria• Save businesses from laborious application forms and unnecessary costs that run into the thousands• Bring regulations affecting nursing homes and hospitals into line with retirement villages by allowing the sale of small amounts of alcohol to patients and visitors without requiring a licence• Streamline the licence application process for low risk venues such as restaurants and cafes

Member for Kallangur, Trevor Ruthenberg said the new laws were part of the Newman Government's commitment to reducing red tape by 20 per cent.

"We don't live in a nanny state. This is about the government getting out of the way and letting communities enjoy themselves responsibly," he said.

"I know residents of this area will do the right thing and if they don't, laws are in place to ensure that the privileges of falling under this exemption are removed.

"These news laws will take the hassle out of what should be fun local events."